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Estes Stadium - home of Central Arkansas Bears in Conway, Arkansas
NCAA FCS

Estes StadiumConway, Arkansas

Central Arkansas Bears

πŸ‘₯
Capacity
10,000
πŸ†
Conference
UAC
πŸ“…
Opened
1939
🌱
Surface
GeoSurfaces artificial turf (purple-and-gray, installed 2011)

πŸ“–About Estes Stadium

First Security Field at Estes Stadium opened in 1939 and is named after legendary coach Dan Estes, who led the Bears from 1915 to 1932. The 10,000-seat facility is known for its unique purple and gray turf installed in 2011, creating one of the most distinctive playing surfaces in college football. Major renovations in 1998 and 2003 modernized both sides of the stadium.

πŸ›οΈEstes Stadium History

Origins

Built in 1939 to provide a permanent home for Central Arkansas football. Named after Dan Estes, who coached the Bears for 17 years and established the foundation of the program.

Major Renovations

1998$5M renovation rebuilt west (home) side with dressing rooms, weight room, meeting rooms, coaches offices, and training facilities
2003East side rebuilt with visitors locker room, training area, concessions, and storage
2007State-of-the-art videoboard installed in south end zone, field renamed First Security Field
2011Purple & gray turf installed, creating iconic unique playing surface
201212 luxury suites constructed above east stands atop Bear Hall

Notable Moments

2011Purple & gray turf unveiled, becoming rallying point for UCA community

🎟️Visiting Estes Stadium

Best Seats

West side home stands offer covered seating. Luxury suites provide premium views and amenities. The unique purple turf creates a memorable visual experience from any seat.

Parking Tips

Bruce Street tailgating opens at noon. Stadium gates open at 4:00 PM for 6:00 PM kickoffs.

Game Day

Experience one of college football's most unique playing surfaces. The purple and gray turf and intimate stadium atmosphere create an intimidating environment for opponents.

πŸ—ΊοΈLocal Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

O'Malley's Irish Grill

$$

Irish pub with diverse beer selection and pub fare.

The Rogue Roundabout

$$

Local favorite for drinks and casual dining.

Brick & Forge Taproom

$$

Craft beer taproom with rotating selection.

🍽️Restaurants

Mike's Place

$$

Popular local restaurant known for home-style cooking.

R & M Southern Eatery

$$

Southern comfort food and BBQ.

Big Bad Breakfast

$$

Breakfast and brunch spot with Southern specialties.

πŸ’‘ Great for morning games. Arrives early - popular spot.

🎭Attractions

Cadron Settlement Park

Free

A 150-acre Arkansas River park commemorating an 1838 Cherokee Trail of Tears encampment, featuring a reconstructed blockhouse, two Trail of Tears exhibits with audio description, hiking trails, a boat ramp, and picnic pavilions.

πŸ“ 7 mi6200 Hwy 319, Conway, AR 72032

πŸ’‘ The two Trail of Tears exhibits have audio descriptions β€” bring your phone so you can follow along. The boat ramp gives direct access to the Arkansas River for kayakers.

Faulkner County Museum

Free

Housed in the county's 1896 historic jail on the courthouse square, this free museum traces Faulkner County history from prehistoric Native Americans through the railroad era, with a circa-1850 dog-trot log cabin on the grounds.

πŸ“ 1.5 mi801 Locust Ave, Conway, AR 72034

πŸ’‘ Open Monday through Thursday 9 am to 4 pm; call ahead (501-329-5918) to confirm holiday closures before a gameday trip.

Windgate Museum of Art at Hendrix College

Free

A free campus art museum on the Hendrix College grounds presenting rotating fine-art exhibitions, welcoming all visitors regardless of college affiliation. Follows the Hendrix academic calendar and closes during summer break β€” verify hours before visiting.

πŸ“ 1 mi1600 Washington Ave, Conway, AR 72032

πŸ’‘ Open Tuesday through Saturday 12 to 5 pm during the academic year; closed for summer break and school holidays. Check windgatemuseum.org or call 501-328-2386 before a gameday trip, especially May through August.

Toad Suck Park (Army Corps of Engineers)

Free

A scenic Arkansas River park built around the historic Toad Suck Lock and Dam, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offering river overlooks, picnic areas, a playground, and boat launch access β€” and home to the annual Toad Suck Daze festival each spring. Located approximately 10 miles west of Conway in Bigelow.

πŸ“ 10 mi93 Park Road, Bigelow, AR 72016

πŸ’‘ The lock and dam area is a great vantage point for river views; the name alone makes it worth a quick stop β€” bring a camera. Campsite reservations available at Recreation.gov.

πŸ…ΏοΈParking Options

πŸŽ‰

Bruce Street Tailgating Area

TailgateπŸ“ 0.2 miles

πŸ’‘ Opens at noon. Popular tailgating destination.

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Campus Parking Lots

LotπŸ“ 0.1-0.3 miles

πŸ’‘ Multiple lots around stadium. Fill up 2-3 hours before kickoff.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Estes Stadium? Share it with us.

Closest Stadiums to Estes Stadium

Frequently Asked Questions About Estes Stadium

What is the capacity of Estes Stadium?
Estes Stadium has a seating capacity of 10,000.
Where is Estes Stadium located?
Estes Stadium is located in Conway, Arkansas.
What team plays at Estes Stadium?
Estes Stadium is the home stadium of Central Arkansas Bears in the UAC.
When was Estes Stadium built?
Estes Stadium opened in 1939.
Where are the best seats at Estes Stadium?
West side home stands offer covered seating. Luxury suites provide premium views and amenities. The unique purple turf creates a memorable visual experience from any seat.
What are the best parking tips for Estes Stadium?
Bruce Street tailgating opens at noon. Stadium gates open at 4:00 PM for 6:00 PM kickoffs.
What type of surface does Estes Stadium have?
Estes Stadium has a geosurfaces artificial turf (purple-and-gray, installed 2011) playing surface.
What stadiums are near Estes Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Estes Stadium are Simmons Bank Field (62 mi), Centennial Bank Stadium (114 mi), Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Frank Broyles Field (118 mi), Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (140 mi), Robert W. Plaster Stadium (153 mi), Rice–Totten Stadium (162 mi).

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.